Racer Words

Projects, Projects, Projects. I have been attempting to work on the top of my mast, new anchor light, anemometer for my new instruments, and a new antenna. Aside from the normal difficulties, the power wire for the anchor light had fallen into the mast, so it needed pulled out an a new wire run. The best way I figured, was to pull a new wire for the radio, and use the old radio wire as a messenger. About halfway through the pull, the wire jammed and wouldn't move. I discovered that it jammed with the wire for the steaming/spreader light, which was sloppily spliced together at the spreaders. So I had to pull that wire... see the full post

This past Wednesday Eliana was Hauled out for paint. I spent the night on her the night before, and then sailed her across the bay to Spaulding. It was a nice, but short singlehanded sail. And my first sail since fixing the outhaul. It feels like she is getting dialed it, where things work smoothly.

Just thinking of the growing list of things to do/check when she is hauled out:Bottom PaintFinish work on bow repair if necessaryInstall new transducers for instrumentsCheck engine/shaft alignmentCheck cutless bearing (probably ok? I hope)Check shaft seal (probably ok with a repack)Wish list:Modify / Enlarge rudder

I did *alot* over the weekend. Enough that I am really sore today. The most difficult was that I replaced the navigation lights. The red/green bow light wasn't too difficult. But the white aft light was a nightmare.Removing the old light, drilling some holes, install new light. All that was no problem. But the light still didn't work. It almost worked, the LED flickered and light dimly. I tired another LED bulb, same thing, and an incandescent bulb, nothing at all. Testing for voltage, I read 13 volts with no bulb installed, and that dropped to 0V if I tested with a bulb. I know that means there is a bad connection... see the full post

I have a decent stack of goodies to get to work on. I have new Raymarine instruments, new navigation lights, a nice teak storage rack for dishes, latches for the cabinets, and on its way a SSB radio. I also need to rebed my chainplates, and replace the gaskets in my port windows. Should keep me busy for a while.

A couple weeks ago Travis and I went to Santa Cruz. A terrible thing happened. My new anchor came loose while sailing in the middle of the night and badly gouged the gelcoat on the leading edge of the bow. It looks horrible and is really depressing. I'll get it fixed, but I'm not looking forward to the time and expense of it. Otherwise it was a fun shakedown. The Jib Halyard broke, and there were minor issues with the navigation lights. I found some minor leaks to take care of.

Been ordering a bunch of stuff for smaller projects. A new anchor, Rocna 20 (44lb), stereo, and I got the shelf made to install the propane tank. Pressure water is working, and I flushed the tanks once with bleach. I still want to do it again. The tanks have an access lid, so I can reach in to clean them. I think I am going to wipe them down with some soap. At least the bottom, there is a bit of sand in there. I also hope to take care of some electrical oddities and get the inverter installed.At the and of April we are headed to Monterey for the weekend. I expect it to be a blast, an we should have a fully... see the full post